Postcard Crossing Chronicles of a Third-World Passport Holder

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Perched perfectly on the edge of the Aurora Cliff, overlooking the Black Sea, the Swallow’s Nest has appeared several times in Soviet films.Visitors can only go near the castle’s vicinity; visitors have been denied entry to the castle for more than four decades now after an earthquake left a crack on the Aurora Cliff.

Although this postcard came from Russia, Crimea is currently a disputed territory between Russia and Ukraine – which reminds me of an ongoing maritime dispute between China and the Philippines.

My second Studio Ghibli postcard came from Chang of Huanggong, China. Released in 2001 and written, drawn, and directed by Studio Ghibli’s then director Hayao Miyazaki (hailed by the New Yorker as the “auteur of anime”, Spirited Away was easily Japan’s highest grossing movie at the time, overtaking the Titanic, and went as far as winning an Academy Award. Disney was so impressed, they bought the distribution rights of the animated film, but on the condition that they would not cut or alter any part of it. The first screening was also held at the Pixar Studio in California. I cannot advertise this film enough, and neither could the Disney team. 🙂

Trivia: I learnt about Guernsey through the book “Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society”. It’s an epistolary novel set during the German occupation. At the time, the German soldiers ate the residents’ pigs and herbs. The members of what started out as a literary society improvised a recipe with potato peel as the main ingredient during their secret meetings to attract a guest who refused to join their meetings if there was no food. Since then, the potato peel pie had been their standard food. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society is an interesting and insightful read. After I’ve read that book, I’ve been dreaming of spending my retirement in Guernsey.

Guernsey is an independent and self-governing part of the Channel Islands. Geographically speaking, Guernsey is closer to France. But Guernsey retains a certain amount of loyalty to the United Kingdom such that British Pounds may be used on the island.

Thank you very much to my pen pal from Guernsey, Denise, who’s thoughtful enough to get me this card after I told her the story of my discovery of the island.

This postcard is such an eye candy. Each time I send out a postcard, I make it to a point to design the back and write as beautifully as I can. It makes me happy when somebody does the same. Props to Olya from Ukraine for this lovely card. This postcard’s worth the long travel time. The surreal illustration, and the Beetle car and tiger stamp. Everything about this postcard is perfect! ❤

I receive many postcards each time the postman delivers the mail to my house because of Postcrossing. Truth is, no matter how many postcards I receive, each one is special and yet there are some that truly stand out. Here’s a round-up of my fourteen favorite postcards of 2014.

1

Wooden and rubber stamped polar bear postcard from Estonia

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from September 26 to October 7

2

Illustrated nest box postcard from Finland

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from September 3 to October 9

3

Jane Austen Quote card from Czech Republic

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from September 12 to October 25

4

Pablo Neruda postcard from Santiago de Chile

(Facebook Postcrossing Lottery)

Traveled from September 28 to October 18

5

3D Beer card from Germany w/ Oktoberfest stamp

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from October 3 to November 6

6

Typographic postcard from Netherlands

(Postcrossing Registered)

Traveled from October 14 to October 23

7

Illustrated teapots and teacups postcard from China

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from October 19 to November 11

8

Henri Matisse: The White Plumes, 1919 from Germany

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from October 23 to November 8

9

Neuschwanstein Castle

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from October 26 to November 6

10

Tattoo postcard from Russia

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from October 21 to November 11

11

Rustic-themed postcard from Lithuania

(Postcrossing Direct Swap)

Traveled from November 3 to November 24

12

Tintin postcard from Ireland

(Facebook Private Swap)

Traveled from November 4 to November 29

13

Stamp shaped card

(Postcrossing Direct Swap)

Traveled from November 7 to November 24

14

Audrey Hepburn postcard from Slovakia

(Postcrossing Direct Swap)

Traveled from November 10 to November 23

There’s more that I’d love to share with you! Good news is, I’ve decided to utilize this platform by spotlighting my postcards. From now on, you’ll be seeing a closer look at my collection. 😉

The new year is proving to be a great l year, despite the death of my grandmother. I am delighted to share with you my first incoming mail for 2015.

As you can see, I’ve received more than just postcards. I’ve received used postal stamps, a bookmark, a subway card from Portugal, a National University of Singapore fridge magnet, and newspaper clippings.

Since my grandmother’s interment yesterday, my eyes have been glued to CNN to witness even just on television the unity march in France. With the victims of the Charlie Hebdo terror attack and the people of France, I grieve. I am a Filipino Christian. My God is a Jew. Je suis Charlie.